Kardinal
Sports
Kearny Girls' Indoor Track Team Titled Hudson Relay County Champions
By: Jaiden Daughtry
(January 12, 2020)
On January 7th, the Kearny indoor track and field team attended the Hudson County Relay Championships meet at the Jersey City Armory and made Kearny High School history. Coaches Albert Perez and David Cord already had high expectations for the varsity girls’ team because of the strong runners, throwers, and jumpers that have trained and competed for the team. The varsity shuttle hurdle team, 4x200 team, and shot put team placed third, the distance medley relay team and high jumpers placed second, and the 4x800 team, sprint medley relay team, and the 4x400 team won their events, beating Snyder High School by seven points according to MileSplit.com. Every single girl who competed in the varsity division was a necessary factor for the team to have been victorious in this competition.
Swim Season: Ready, Set, Go!!!
By: Ranphy Cabral
(November 19, 2019)
It has been too long for the returning swimmers, coaches, and new members to suppress the eagerness for the Kearny High School Swimming Team tryouts. Ever since the final victory at the Hudson County meet, all of the potential members strived to push to new heights for the season. However, it all begins with tryouts. Both Coach Savage and Coach T. were prepared to give the team their long lost workouts. Throughout the week of November 11-15 swimmers of all kinds have been diving into the pool to determine if they are worthy of varsity or junior varsity athleticism. After the first practice, each of the swimmers shared at least one common theme: motivation, hunger or fatigue. Nevertheless, the swim team will be continuing on their tryouts and prepare for their first swim meet against Union City. Go Kardinals!
How the Girls’ Tennis Team Annihilated Memorial at County Champs
By: Karla Santamaria
(October 31, 2019)
From enduring the scorching desert heat from summer practices to ending strongly as county champs during the harsh winds of autumn, the girls’ tennis team beat Memorial and brought the trophy home! The lineup for Kearny presents Karen Uquillas as first singles, Mia Eid as second singles, Leticia DeCastro as third singles, Sabena Raza and Elizabeth Boyle as first doubles, and Nicole Zambrano and Suky Lopez as second doubles. The game took place in Lincoln Park and was very tight, as Memorial has a great team. That, however, did not stop Karen, Mia, and Leticia, as they all won their matches. There is one true MVP who carried the team to victory, and that was Leticia. With Leticia’s game being the only one left, and with two singles matches won and the two doubles’ matches lost, Leticia’s game would determine whether that trophy went to Kearny or Memorial. The game was nail-biting to watch, as both Leticia and Denisse (third singles player for Memorial) had to play an additional set for a best out of three match. Leticia won the first set, Denisse won the second set, and Leticia took it home by winning the last set. Thanks to Leticia, and all the support from the rest of the team, of course, Kearny won the County Championships!
New 5K Record Holder
By: Jaiden Daughtry
On the 18th of October, the Kearny cross country team took its top runners on an overnight trip for an invitational meet in Rhode Island. All the runners invited ran the 5,000-meter run at Brown High School. Maria Laverde, the Kearny Cross Country team’s top female runner, ran her 5K in 18:19.7 minutes which was not only her personal record but also became the new school record. The previous record had never been challenged ever since it was set seven years ago. When interviewed about her accomplishments, Laverde said it felt “exciting” to break the record because it “showed that [her] hard work paid off.” She says her support systems are her boyfriend, her family, her teammates, and her coach, Albert Perez, and that she couldn’t have done this without them. The previous record-holder was Erika Almorza who graduated in 2014 and ran a 5K in 18:43.1 minutes on October 27, 2012 (according to MileSplit.com). Laverde says that before a race she always has the same breakfast, wears the same pink socks, and wears her spikes. Though she is already a very accomplished and established athlete, she still has goals for the rest of the 2019 Cross Country season. Laverde has admitted she wants to win her event in the Hudson County Championships and compete in the Meet of Champions this year. Her advice to anyone who is new to the sport is to “put in the work” and “take your hard days hard, take the easy days easy, enjoy it, and don’t stress yourself out.”
2019-2020
Track: Counties Highlights
By Betsybell Sanchez
(February 2, 2018)
It was a cloudy Monday afternoon and the 2017-2018 indoor track team was making their way to counties. There was so much energy in the bus on the way to The Armory in New York City. For seniors, it would be their last time racing for outdoor track. Yet others were looking forward to the beginning of an extended season where a selected amount of the competitors were to race at more meets. Monday’s race was filled with races and competitions for all levels of student athletes. As a team, the Kards have definitely left their mark and gave it their best effort. By the end of the night, many of the athletes rose to occasion and earned their medals.
In the 55 meter High Hurdles, Kearny left the others impressed and placed in this Varsity event. Sophomore Melissa Waters, pictured left, competed and won 3rd place out of the rest who made it into the finals. On the right is senior Daniris Calcano, who left the night as the Hudson County Champion of 2018 for the High Hurdles. Surely these girls have made their coaches and themselves proud that night.
For the Varsity Boys 55 Meter Hurdles, juniors Xavier Reyes and Breisly Franco (second picture, from left to right) competed successfully and triumphed. Reyes was able to medal with 3rd place. Franco was especially excited to point out his time for the event, 7.94 seconds, and also earned his 2nd place medal that evening.
He remarked, “Second in the county, but number one in your heart” and the boys finished that event impressively.
For the underclassmen, sophomore Rayanna Lima (third, leftmost picture) placed 5th. She ran a great time in the Freshman/Sophomore Girls 800 Meter Run and we hope gets even better for future races.
The Kearny shot put varsity girls certainly left their mark Monday evening. Among them, junior Rachelle Del Rosario (bottom middle or fourth picture) threw a great distance and placed in 4th out of the 21 girls who were able to make it to finals. Doubtless to say she models what the girls field should be in track and field.
As for the underclassmen, freshman Ryan Rivera (last or fifth picture, Rivera is on the right) left with two medals in his freshman events. He won fourth place in both his 1,600 Meter Run and the 3,200 Meter Run. Rivera evidently showed counties what he’s made of and foreshadows a great future in running for KHS.
All in all, these highlights was only a small amount of what the Track and Field team was made of. They practice and train hard and certainly show the other teams what they’re made of. This winter season of outdoor track has been memorable for all, and we all can’t wait to see what the outdoor spring track team brings for us.
McClelland Scores 1,000!
By Mike Landy
(January 3, 2018)
Kearny High School senior and standout athlete, Meg McClelland made news once again after eclipsing the 1,000 point mark on Tuesday against Memorial.
McClelland, already well known for her talents as goalkeeper on the Girls’ Kardinals team before missing much of the past two seasons due to her commitments to the U.S. National Team and her PDA club team, has also been a steady producer and crucial component to a winning team in her second sport.
She has steadily and consistently accumulated her numbers over the past four years, starting with 127 points in her freshman season. That total has risen as McClelland dropped 368 points last year, in a season that was cut short as soccer cut into her playing time.
In addition to the point total, McClelland has been essential to the team thanks to the well-rounded nature of her game; she amassed a ridiculous 142 rebounds in her junior season and has 270 cumulatively. She is also a solid defender and a team player, averaging as many as 5.7 assists per-game in her freshman season.
McClelland was humble when approached for comment on her achievement, she said “It was a great night, and I want to thank my friends, family, and teammates for making this moment so special.”
Meg will look to add to her point total when Kearny takes on Snyder in their next game, away on Thursday 1/11.
Winter Pep Rally
By Mike Landy
(December 14, 2017)
On Wednesday 12/13, history was made at KHS as the first ever after school pep rally was held. The pep rally, a change from the in-school rallies of the past was moved to after hours to encourage family to come out and cheer on their favorite Kardinals and watch them compete against other sports teams in a challenge of spirit. Teams were responsible for choreographing and performing a dance routine. The pep rally was well-attended and wildly successful, it would certainly be reasonable to expect more after-school rallies in the future.
Boys Win State Championship After 13 Years
By Mike Landy
(November 21, 2017)
The Kearny Boys Soccer Team has won the Group 4 State Title!
After taking down Princeton 3-1 in the Championship game on Sunday afternoon they lay claim to their first State Championship since splitting the title back in 2004 with Rancocas Valley.
Bryan Noritz had 8 saves in the game and had this to say when asked for comment on the season,
“First of all, I want to thank my family and especially my best friend, Ryan. They were always there to support me and always had my back for anything and everything. I want to thank my coaches, even though they put the team through hell and back, they knew what they were doing and prepared us for any team that came our way. I also want to thank my family on the field because every single one of them gave it their all to make history for Kearny High School. It wasn't easy but we made it look easy, especially with the help of our beautiful Kardinal Nation. It has been such a joy playing for Kearny. I will never forget this place.”
Junior stand-out Jose Escandon had 2 goals and Senior Ryan Valdez put the cherry on top with a goal scored with 6 seconds remaining in the game.
Kearny finished the season undefeated with a record of 19-0-5 and put the first and only blemish on Princeton’s undefeated season. Kearny will look to defend their Title next season with a defense that remains, in large part, the same as this year with the exception of G Bryan Noritz. On the offensive side, Seniors Cristian Villegez and Ryan Valdez will be tough to replace but Kearny’s deep talent pool should help to ease the burden of any blow.
Kearny Boys Win Sectional Title
By Mike Landy
(November 11, 2017)
The Boys Soccer team has won their second consecutive North 1, Group 4 championship. The win comes after the championship game against Montclair, the no. 13 ranked team in the state made it’s way to overtime and eventually, penalty kicks.
Christian Villegas scored Kearny’s lone goal to even the score in the 31st minute of play. There wouldn't be another goal in regulation play.
Kearny goalie, Bryan Noritz stole the show during PKs, making two saves. Noritz was lights out all game and all season. Equally important were Kearny’s shooters: Jose Escandon, Juan Renden, Marcus Hidalgo, and Nickolas Fiallos all converted.
After winning the shootout 4-2, Kearny fans stormed the field and embraced the undefeated Kardinals.
Kearny will move on to play Bridgewater-Raritan at 7:30 on Tuesday in the first round of the Division 4 State Championship. The game is away at Franklin. Fan bus sign up sheets are available in the Athletic Office. Come show support!
Kearny Boys Advances to State Finals
By Mike Landy
(November 15, 2017)
The Kearny Boys Soccer Team is headed to the State Title game after taking down Bridgewater-Raritan in a thrilling overtime game!
Both Kearny and Bridgewater-Raritan entered the game undefeated and showed that they were nearly evenly-matched throughout the game. After 100 minutes of scoreless play, the game entered into penalty kicks.
The game went down to the wire, fans on both sides nervous and full of anticipation, awaited the final shots from each team. They were tied 4-4. All five (Jose Escandon, Juan Rendon, Marcus Hidalgo, Nickolas Fiallos, and Cristian Villegas) of Kearny’s shooters converted.
Kearny will face off against Princeton at Kean University on Sunday at 3. Permission slips for fan bus are available in the Athletic Office until Thursday after school. Come support the Kardinals as they attempt to win their first Group 4 State Championship since being crowned co-champions with Rancocas Valley in 2004.
Winning Streak Broken
By Dominic Orrico
(November 3, 2017)
Sadly for fans of Kearny Girls Soccer, the season has come to a sudden end. On Monday, October 30th, the Kearny Girl’s team lost to Randolph High school in a neutral playoff game which ended in a 2-1 lost in a shootout .
Kardinals top St. Peters Prep, Win County 'Ship
By Mike Landy
(October 23, 2017)
The Kearny Boys' Soccer team beat St. Peters Prep 3-2 on Saturday, giving them a County Title. The top-seed Kearny team is ranked 3 in the state, was tied against the no. 11th ranked Prep until Ryan Silva scored with 40 seconds remaining in the game. Other key performers for Kearny were goalie Bryan Noritsz who had six saves in the game, and other goal-scorers for Kearny, Jose Escandon and Marcus Hidalgo.
Girls Soccer win 4-0 over North Bergen
By Mike Landy
(October 23, 2017)
The Girls Team took home their ninth straight County Championship with a win over North Bergen in Harrison on Saturday. The team was led by sophomore, Skyler Matusz who had three goals. Junior Gabriela Rodriguez also scored and Kearny G Catherine Canaley who shutout North Bergen's offense.
Rise of the Kearny Army
By Mike Landy
(October 2017)
A new fan club has been unveiled at Kardinal games over the last several weeks. The fan club, dubbed the Kearny Army, is an idea hatched collectively by Athletic Director, Vin Almeida, and soccer-game regulars, Artie Smith and Mike Landy. The Army decides on a theme or color for the week and sets out to attend as many games as possible. The Army is both loud and large and makes their presence known. The Army established itself as a "force-to-be-reckoned with" as Kearny stormed Caven Point and showed up St. Peter’s Prep on their own turf. To become a part of the Army, reach out to Mike Landy or Artie Smith to be added to the group chat!
Kearny Girl's Soccer Staying On Top
By: Dominic Orrico
(October 2017)
The Girl's Soccer team enters the week in search of a County Championship. With many ups and downs, they have a record of 7-4 and in their conference division 6-0. There are five games remaining this season and fans hope that at the end of the season the team will end up with a County Championship and a strong run at the State Title.
Point totals include an outstanding 30 points, 22 goals, and 8 assists from Skyler Matusz. She has scored at least a point in every game she has played. There are two goalkeepers and the starter is sophomore Catherine Canaley who has 21 saves.
So, will the Kearny Girls prevail with maybe a future championship on their hands, or will they bust and not capitalize? The future is an uncertain one and we will soon find out what their destiny beholds.
Kards Lose 34-21
By Mike Landy
(September 2017)
For their first home game the Kearny Varsity Football Team played Dickinson. Dickinson scored two touchdowns in the 1st quarter and another in the 2nd, giving them a 21-7 lead by halftime. Kearny attempted to catch up in the second half, but only managed to bring the final score to 34-21. Despite the loss, Kearny showed flashes of talent as Diego Torales and Breisly Franco both entered the end zone on passes from quarterback, Travis Witt. The game was also notorious for being the first to feature a “Student Section” and for the impressive “black out” by Kearny fans.